18-inch road and track setup
- Front and rear
- 18 × 9.5 inch, ET40 · 265/35 R18
Apex documents this 265/35 combination as usually fitting directly, while recommending additional negative camber for track use and clearance with wider tyre compounds.
2014–2021 · saloon
Subaru WRX STI VA wheel fitment
The VA STI has a square factory setup, with the later cars moving from 18 to 19-inch wheels. Wider 18-inch wheels are common for road and track use, but the change in Brembo brake packages needs careful wheel selection.
5x114.3 bolt pattern · 56.1 mm centre bore · Stock wheels: 18 × 8.5, 19 × 8.5 inch · Stock tyres: 245/40 R18, 245/35 R19
Updated 2026-10-04 · High source confidence. Check your exact trim and market. How we check specs
Quick specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bolt pattern | |
| Stock tyre sizes | |
| Centre bore | 56.1 mm |
| Fastener and thread | Wheel nut, M12x1.25 |
| Tightening torque | 120 Nm (confirm in your handbook) |
Stock wheels and tyres
Factory options vary by trim and market. Match your car to the row below and check its tyre placard before using it as a baseline.
| Trim | Axle | Wheel | Tyre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early STI / US 2015–2017 | Front and rear | 18 × 8.5 inch, ET55 | 245/40 R18 |
| Later STI / US 2018–2021 | Front and rear | 19 × 8.5 inch, ET55 | 245/35 R19 |
Explained in our guides
Read these before choosing wheels for the WRX STI: they explain the offset, fitment and hub numbers in this guide.
- Wheel offset explained: choosing ET without guessingUnderstand positive and negative wheel offset, calculate inner clearance and outer position, and choose an ET using measurements from your own car.
- Flush, poke and tucked fitment: measure the whole tyreUnderstand flush, poked and tucked wheels, calculate how width and offset change the look, and check clearance beyond a parked side-on photograph.
- Hub-centric vs lug-centric wheels: choosing hub ringsLearn what hub rings do, how to specify their inner and outer diameters, and why centring, wheel seats and vibration need separate checks.
Popular community setups
Starting points for a build. Read the notes with each setup, especially if your car is lowered or has different brakes.
18-inch square track setup
- Front and rear
- 18 × 9 inch, ET35 · 245/40 R18
Apex documents a VA STI using VS-5 wheels with Nitto NT01 tyres in this size. The gallery flags possible supporting modifications; verify arch and brake clearance rather than assuming a direct fit.
Width and offset guidance
Offset range
Check the exact setup
There is no confirmed range for this car yet. Compare a known wheel with your proposed size and measure both sides.
Common width limit
Measure before ordering
A maximum width has not been confirmed. Tyre shape, ride height and alignment all change the available space.
These figures belong to the setups described here. Combining the widest wheel with either end of the offset range does not guarantee a safe fit. For how ET moves the wheel in and out, read wheel offset explained; for how far the tyre can sit out, see flush, poke and tucked fitment.
Clearance notes
- Subaru specifies 120 Nm for VA wheel nuts. This is higher than figures commonly quoted for older GD cars.
- Later six-piston front Brembos and earlier four-piston brakes have different clearance requirements. FastWRX specifically notes that the original 2018 19-inch wheel needs a 5 mm spacer to clear earlier four-piston STI brakes.
- Aftermarket wheels should be checked against the exact brake package. Diameter alone does not determine clearance.
- The stock list covers normal-body STI models. Special wide-body editions such as the S209 are not included. Keep all four tyres matched.
- Check full steering lock and suspension travel with the car loaded. Match wheel load rating, tyre load and speed ratings, fastener seats and brake clearance.
See it on your car.
Upload a photo and start with a look that suits the WRX STI. Try the wheels, colour and stance before you spend on parts.
An AI preview shows the look. It cannot verify physical fitment.
Run the numbers
These tools start with the Early STI / US 2015–2017 front size. Choose your own trim or axle in the calculator if it differs.
Questions
What is the VA STI bolt pattern?
5x114.3 with a 56.1 mm centre bore and M12x1.25 nuts.
Can I replace the later STI’s 19-inch wheels with 18s?
Yes, with a design confirmed to clear the six-piston Brembos. The aftermarket examples here use 18-inch wheels.
Will 2018 STI factory wheels fit an earlier VA STI?
FastWRX reports that the 2018 wheel needs a 5 mm spacer for earlier four-piston brake clearance. Check the resulting fitment and stud engagement.
What is the VA STI wheel-nut torque?
120 Nm, as specified in the Subaru owner manual.
What size tyres does the Subaru WRX STI VA have?
Factory tyre (tire) sizes for the 2014–2021 Subaru WRX STI VA are 245/40 R18 and 245/35 R19, depending on trim. Your tyre placard shows the size for your car.
What wheel size does the Subaru WRX STI VA use?
Factory wheels are 18 × 8.5 inch and 19 × 8.5 inch, depending on trim. The stock table lists the offset for each.
What is the Subaru WRX STI VA centre bore?
56.1 mm. Aftermarket wheels with a larger bore need hub-centric rings sized to it.
Specs checked against
- STM: STI factory wheel and hub specifications
- Mainline Dyno: Subaru PCD, bore and thread reference
- ScoobyNet: model-year wheel torque differences
- Subaru: 2018 WRX / STI owner manual, specifications
- FastWRX: original 2018 STI 19-inch wheel and brake compatibility
- Apex: VA STI wheel and tyre fitment guide
- Apex: VA STI 18x9 ET35 customer track setup
This guide is a starting point, not a fitment guarantee. Specs can differ by market, trim and previous modifications. Confirm all sizes, clearances and fastener requirements with a qualified wheel and tyre professional before buying or fitting parts.
Related cars
More guides from Subaru or cars with the same bolt pattern. A matching pattern alone does not make a wheel interchangeable.